Some folks just love to live on the wild side, and reflect their free-spirited nature in their choice of an exotic pet.
As exotic pets become increasingly more popular, exotic pet insurance is becoming more available. Exotic pets have very species-specific health care needs, which can be very expensive. While the basic policies are very affordable, your exotic pet will probably need more health insurance than a base policy will cover. Understanding how insurance for your exotic pet works will help you determine what kind of coverage you’ll need, and what to expect in premiums.
What Is An Exotic Animal?
According to both the insurance companies and the veterinary world, an exotic pet is a pet other than a dog or a cat. Exotic animals have special care needs over and above the typical needs of a dog or a cat, and therefore an exotic pet health insurance needs. Listed below are some examples of exotic animals and their main health concerns.
Rodents
Hamsters, mice, chinchillas, guinea pigs and other rodents have a relatively short life span, from two to five years depending on care and specific type of rodent. Guinea pigs can live as long as seven years, while mice might only live two. Dental care is the predominant concern, as their teeth grow continuously.
Lizards
Owners of these scaly critters often don’t know what they’re getting into until they own one. Lizards have very long life spans, and often change owners until they either die or find an owner that’s in it for the long haul. Iguanas, turtles, snakes, gekkos, chameleons and other types of lizards have specific health care requirements revolving mainly around feeding and nutrition.
Birds
Avian are delicate creatures. The majority of health issues regarding birds are due to accident or injury. Unclipped wings, neglect, water deprivation, or mishandling are among the top causes of death for pet birds.
Pigs
Potbellies and other varieties of pigs are becoming more and more popular among exotic pet owners. Pigs are highly susceptible to respiratory and digestive problems.
Fish
Saltwater and freshwater fish make lovely pets, but are expensive, delicate and can become ill and die even if a new fish is introduced into the environment.
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